Mental Health Awareness Week 2025: Zarah

Harrods: That must have been incredibly hard. How did that experience change the way you view mental well-being?
Zarah: Losing Charlie made me realise how important it is to be aware of what others might be going through, even if they don’t show it. It really made me focus on my own mental well-being and how I can support those around me. I’m now much more conscious of the need to foster a community where we look out for each other. People often put on a brave face, especially on social media, where everything appears perfect and polished. But how often do we take the time to ask someone, "How are you really doing?" Beyond just the usual "I’m fine" response. It’s easy to get caught up in the surface level, but it’s so important to genuinely check in with others.

Harrods: This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘Community.’ Can you share more about how your community has supported your mental well-being?
Zarah: Community has always been a central part of my life and support system. I’m Filipino, and my parents made sure my brother and I grew up with a strong sense of pride in our heritage. The Filipino community is all about celebration, food, and connection. While we didn’t have a huge family in London, my parents built an extended family through our Filipino community. There was always a sense of togetherness. A circle of aunties, uncles, and cousins who, though not related to me by blood, felt just like family. We had big parties with music, laughter, and a lot of joy, and that sense of connection was crucial in keeping my spirits high.

Faith has also played a huge role in my life. My family’s Christian upbringing meant that every Sunday, we’d go to church, and it wasn’t just our Filipino community but also Ghanaians, so it was a beautiful blend of cultures. The importance of being part of something bigger than yourself, of having that community support, was something I learned early on and still a big part of my life.

Harrods: It sounds like your community, both by blood and by choice, has been integral to your well-being. How has that sense of community continued in your adult life?
Zarah: It absolutely has. Even at work, I always encourage my team to build relationships with each other. We spend so much time at work, and I think it’s crucial to have that support. When I joined Harrods after 14 years at another retailer, I didn’t know anyone. But my team, who had been together for almost 20 years, welcomed me with open arms. Their support has been immeasurable, and we’ve built a tight-knit community within the team.

On a personal level, I’ve been really lucky to have a solid network of friends in London. We’ve grown together over the years, and they’ve been there for me through thick and thin. I also have to mention my husband, who’s one of my best friends. We’ve been together since we were 16! It’s just the 3 of us with our Belgian Malinois Koba, he’s been such a huge part of my healing journey, and great for getting my steps in with our walks. Also, through my husband, I’ve become more involved in the Arsenal football community, and that’s been a source of connection and joy as well. The energy in the stadium is something else, being part of that group and sharing that experience is magical.

Harrods: It’s wonderful that you have such a strong support network. How has being part of the Mental Wellbeing Network at Harrods impacted you?
Zarah: Joining the network was a fantastic opportunity for me. When I joined Harrods, I was still new, and while I had my team, it was limited to one division. Being part of the well-being network opened up a whole new world for me. We already had around 200 members when I joined, and it was amazing to be introduced to such a diverse and passionate group of people. It really helped me expand my connections across the company and gave me an opportunity to share ideas and experiences with people from different departments and sites.

Harrods: It sounds like the network has played a significant role in your journey here. Has that sense of community been important for you?
Zarah: Absolutely. The network has been vital in fostering a sense of community within Harrods. It’s been so valuable to meet people I never would have crossed paths with otherwise. For example, getting close to Alice, Sam, Sobitha and Nina has been an incredible part of my experience. It’s all about support and creating a safe space for each other to thrive.

Harrods: With all this rich sense of community, is there one lesson you’ve learned that you’d like to share with others?
Zarah: The most important lesson I’ve learned is the power of checking in with others. You never know what someone might be going through behind the scenes, even if they seem fine or appear happy on social media. Taking a moment to ask, "How are you really?" can make a world of difference. It’s not just about receiving support, it’s about offering it too. Building strong relationships, where support flows both ways, is the key to creating a thriving community.

It’s also about shifting the culture so that mental well-being is just as important as physical health. Being part of the Mental Wellbeing Network at Harrods has been one way I’ve contributed to that, and I hope that through our work, we can inspire others to take mental health seriously.

If you or someone you know is having a hard time, talk to somebody today.
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